Tiger Woods's caddie Williams

Tiger Woods's and caddie Steve Williams has strenuously denied having any knowledge of the world number one's "infidelity".
Tiger Woods is currently taking an indefinite break from golf in order to tackle problems in his private life.

"I had no knowledge of what was going on," the Kiwi told New Zealand's Sunday News newspaper. "If I did, I would say I did. I'm an honest person.

"When he is not competing, I am back in New Zealand. I have no knowledge of what he is doing."

Woods became the centre of a media storm after crashing his car into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his Florida home at the end of November.

The 14-time major winner has not been seen in public since, as speculation about his private life intensified.

Allegations followed about extra-marital affairs and on Friday, Woods admitted for the first time that he has been unfaithful to his wife Elin.

"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children," said Woods in a statement.

New Zealander Williams has been the caddie for Woods for all but one of his 14 major championship wins.

The world's number one golfer was also Williams' best man when he got married in 2006.

There has been speculation as to how much Woods's inner circle knew of the "transgressions".

Williams added: "What people fail to realise is I (just) work for Tiger Woods.

"I live in New Zealand, I travel to and from New Zealand to caddie for Tiger Woods. I am not with him 24/7. Whilst I am a very good friend of his... I don't know what he does off the course.

"Tiger just said he needs a break and I don't want to put any pressure on the guy.

"He will know in his mind, and his family will know in their mind, when it is the right time for him to return to playing golf.

"He will have the right people counselling him and between the people that counsel him, his wife and his immediate friends, when he is ready to come back he will be ready to come back.

"I am committed to him. I understand he needs a break to sort his personal stuff out. And I will be there for him when he wishes to return to play."

And Williams reiterated that if was to be axed by Woods, that would be the end of his caddying career.

"I have always stated that my last caddie job will be caddying for Tiger," he added.

Tiger Woods to take 'indefinite leave' from golf

Tiger Woods is taking an indefinite break from the professional golf to tackle problems in his private life.
In statement on his website, he said he was aware of the disappointment "my infidelity" had caused to his family. The world's top golfer said he wanted to "try to repair the damage done" and asked for privacy.

His biggest sponsor, Nike, said it would continue to stand by him but Mr Woods's agent said it was too early to discuss any other business deals. On his website, Mr Woods said he was "profoundly sorry" and asked for forgiveness.

The 33-year-old said: "I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. "What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person."

In a separate statement on his website, he also indicated he would be taking some time off from his responsibilities with the Tiger Woods Foundation - a charity he set up with his late father to help young people

He said he knew his staff would continue efforts to maintain the foundation's work during his "absence". He has been married to his wife Elin for five years and they have a two-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son.

In a statement, Nike said: "Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade.

"He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf.

"He and his family have Nike's full support."

Mr Woods's agent Mark Steinberg also voiced his support for the golfer's decision but said it was "premature" to discuss particular business deals. "Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue," he said. Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept.

In a statement the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour said it supported the golfer's decision, the Associated Press news agency reported. Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said the celebrity's "priorities are where they need to be".

"We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him," he said.

In London, lawyers for the world number one golfer obtained an injunction preventing certain information purportedly about him being published. It was granted by a judge at the High Court, and concerns alleged information which cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.

Last week Mr Woods apologised to his family for "transgressions".

Speculation about his private life has been intense since he was involved in a car crash outside his Florida home two weeks ago.

Newspaper allegations followed about extra-marital affairs.

Mr Woods has not been seen in public since the accident, in which his car hit a tree and fire hydrant.

The golfer, who was found bleeding and semi-conscious, was later charged with careless driving, which carries a $164 (£98) fine and four points on his driving record.

Mr Woods has become an international sporting icon since winning his first major in 1997 at the age of 21. At 33, he is just four short of equalling Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major victories and is regarded as one of the world's all-time great golfers.